‘Green Fur’ Sea Turtle Washes Ashore—Rescuers Realize It’s One of the Rarest Species on Earth

A bizarre-looking sea turtle left beachgoers doing a double take after it washed ashore in Texas looking like it had a coat of green fur. When rescuers arrived, they realized the animal wasn’t just unusual; it belonged to one of the rarest sea turtle species in the world.

The turtle was later identified as a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, a critically endangered species and the smallest sea turtle in existence. The rare sea turtle was discovered stranded on a beach near Galveston, sparking a rapid Texas sea turtle rescue effort.

The Turtle That Baffled Beachgoers

In a social media post, the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research (GCSTR) said its team responded to a report about a stranded adult female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle on Saturday, March 7.

When rescuers reached the turtle, they found her lethargic and heavily weighed down by epibionts — organisms that attach themselves to other living creatures. Her shell and body were blanketed in barnacles, algae and sediment, which researchers told Chron suggests she may have been struggling for quite some time.

Christopher Marshall, director of the GCSTR, explained to Chron that the turtle’s slow swimming likely contributed to her deteriorating condition and may have ultimately led to her becoming stranded on the Texas shoreline.

"Healthy sea turtles are swimming sea turtles," Marshall explained to the Texas outlet. "Sea turtles that slow down their swimming due to health issues are quickly colonized by organisms in the water. This can turn into a positive feedback loop in that the extra weight causes the turtle to slow down further and expend further energy, which allows more epibionts to grow."

Rescuers Discover It’s a Rare Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

After being rescued, the endangered sea turtle was rushed to the Houston Zoo for an emergency veterinary checkup, according to the GCSTR, before being transferred to the group’s rehabilitation hospital for continued care.

"This turtle is in critical condition but is getting the best care thanks to our veterinarian partners at the Houston Zoo and a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and students at our hospital," Marshall said.

According to NOAA Fisheries, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest sea turtle species in the world and also happen to be the official state turtle of Texas. They are most commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in waters off the Texas coast.

The turtles are recognizable by their triangular heads and slightly hooked beaks. Female Kemp’s ridleys come ashore to lay their eggs on beaches, typically reaching maturity around age 13. Scientists estimate the turtles can live for at least 30 years.

Despite their resilience, the endangered sea turtle species faces significant threats. The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, according to NOAA. The species is threatened by habitat degradation, fishing gear entanglement, boat strikes and ocean debris.

Hope for Recovery and a Return to the Gulf

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the Kemp’s ridley as critically endangered, with an estimated global population of about 22,300 mature adults, making it one of the rarest turtle species on Earth.

Strandings like this are not uncommon along the Texas coast. Chron reported that the GCSTR recently treated a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle that was also found stranded and covered in marine organisms.

Wildlife officials say anyone who encounters a stranded, injured or entangled sea turtle should avoid intervening themselves and instead contact trained responders who can carry out a proper rescue. In Texas, people can call the statewide sea turtle hotline at 1-866-TURTLE-5.

The GCSTR also noted that its rescue and rehabilitation work depends on donations. Those who want to support the care of the newly rescued Kemp’s ridley sea turtle can help by purchasing supplies through the center’s Amazon wishlist.

"We are hopeful for her recuperation and eventual release back into the Gulf," the GCSTR added of the rescued turtle.